Photo By: Jason Briscoe
featuring Alex Rivera
OPENING NOTES FROM TRACIANA
Wealth building isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about consistent action with a clear understanding. The question lands in my inbox weekly: “Am I too late?” When Alex reached out about crypto’s current moment, her perspective reminded me that timing isn’t everything.
Through her work, I’ve learned that sometimes the best time to start is when you finally understand what you’re starting.
—Traciana
Fearless Listening Session: Strategic Intelligence
Who are you? A: I’m Alex Rivera, a financial advisor who helps everyday investors build wealth without the jargon. Originally from Phoenix, I specialize in breaking down complex investments for people who want to grow their money but don’t want to become day traders.
What is this about? A: This is about whether cryptocurrency still makes sense for regular investors in 2025—not the people with millions to play with, but those building their first real investment portfolio.
Why was it important to research this? A: I kept seeing people either completely avoid crypto out of fear or throw money at it without understanding what they were buying. Both approaches miss the real opportunity for steady, long-term wealth building.
Where does cryptocurrency stand in 2025?
A: Let’s start with the truth: the days of turning $100 into $100,000 overnight are mostly over. Bitcoin has grown from a curiosity to a $1.5 trillion asset class. Major companies hold it on their balance sheets. You can buy it through your regular investment app.
This maturation means less explosive growth, but also less explosive risk. For most people, that’s actually good news.
Are people too late to invest in crypto?
A: Here’s what I tell my clients: you’re not too late, but you’re also not early. Cryptocurrency has moved from the “high risk, high reward” category into something more like “moderate risk, moderate reward”—similar to investing in emerging market stocks.
According to Fidelity’s 2024 investor survey, 47% of Americans now own some form of cryptocurrency, up from 22% in 2021. You’re not pioneering anymore; you’re catching up.
What makes sense for regular investors?
A: For most people, cryptocurrency should represent 5-10% of their investment portfolio—after you’ve handled the basics like emergency funds and retirement contributions.
Start with Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin is digital gold—a store of value that tends to hold purchasing power over time. Ethereum powers most cryptocurrency applications and has utility beyond just being money. Skip the newest, hottest coins. Stick to what’s been around for years and has actual use cases.
“The best time to invest was yesterday. The second best time is today—but only if you understand what you’re buying.” —Alex Rivera
What are the real risks people should consider?
A: Cryptocurrency is volatile. A 20% drop in a single day isn’t unusual. If seeing your investment cut in half would keep you awake at night, crypto isn’t for you—at least not yet.
The technology is still evolving. Regulations are still being written. What seems permanent today might be obsolete tomorrow. But here’s the other side: the U.S. dollar has lost 96% of its purchasing power since 1913. Traditional investments aren’t risk-free either.
What’s the practical approach for beginners?
A: Start small. Many people begin with $50-100 monthly investments—dollar-cost averaging reduces the impact of volatility.
Use reputable platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or even traditional brokers like Fidelity that now offer crypto. Avoid complicated trading strategies or leverage. Think years, not months. The people who’ve made real money in crypto bought and held for multiple years, through multiple boom-and-bust cycles.
What surprises new investors most about crypto today?
A: How boring good crypto investing has become. No day trading. No complex strategies. Just regular purchases of established cryptocurrencies as part of a diversified portfolio.
The excitement has been replaced by something more valuable: predictable, long-term wealth-building tools that happen to be digital. The infrastructure has matured to the point where crypto investing looks a lot like traditional investing—just with different assets.
About Featured Expert Alex Rivera is a certified financial planner with 12 years of experience helping middle-class families build wealth. She specializes in investment strategies for people earning $50,000-$150,000 annually.
About Fearless Listening Sessions Our Fearless Listening Sessions feature conversations with global voices that challenge conventional thinking and expand our capacity for meaningful connection. [Learn more about Fearless Listening →]
Disclaimer: This piece is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk including potential loss of principal. Please consult qualified financial advisors for personalized guidance. Read our full disclaimer →
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